BOSTON, Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare just got a whole lot easier for consumers. Instead of searching for a doctor, calling for an appointment, taking time off work, and then driving to the doctor's office – consumers can connect with a U.S. Board Certified, licensed and credentialed doctor right now on their iPad®, iPhone® or Android™ smart phone or tablet as well as via any web browser. No appointment necessary.

American Well® is the nation's largest and fastest growing telehealth service, and the only one that offers immediate, live video visits on mobile, the web and at kiosks. The company's unique technology actively manages physician availability – letting consumers either choose a specific doctor or simply connect to the next available one. Patients can also review doctors' professional profiles and see how other patients rate them. "Consumers want fast access to quality physicians, from anywhere, at a fair price, with a private and secure service," said Roy Schoenberg, MD, MPH, CEO of American Well Systems. "American Well now gives them that."

The easiest way to access American Well is via tablets and smart phones, with apps that let a consumer connect with a doctor over WiFi in just a few minutes. Consumers can also see a doctor via the web at www.americanwell.com, provided their computer has a webcam.

Clinical services on American Well are provided by the Online Care Group, the nation's first and largest physician-owned primary and urgent care group devoted to video telehealth. American Well can be used to see a doctor for urgent care issues such as cold and flu, sinusitis, urinary tract infection and pink eye. "When you're not well, and you need a doctor's advice and maybe a prescription, American Well is the fastest, easiest and most affordable way to get it," said Dr. Peter Antall, medical director of Online Care Group. "Online Care Group physicians are available around the clock, across the nation, ready to help."

Doctors accessed via American Well are available now for live video consults 24 x 7 x 365 in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Physicians prescribe from a safe formulary that does not include controlled substances. "We are committed to expanding across America," said Dr. Schoenberg. "Video telehealth is rapidly eclipsing older telephone-based doctor or nurse callback services that do not offer either the transparency or the choice consumers expect from modern services, nor the level of clinical safety, insight, documentation and care continuity that live video encounters on American Well offer."

Doctor visits via American Well cost $49, and can be paid via credit, debit or health savings account cards. The online visit costs less than an office visit, which averages $68 and can reach up to $120 in urgent care clinics. Consumers who need care during evenings or weekends can end up in the emergency room, where it can cost more than $1,000 to handle a non-emergency issue, according to the Health Care Blue Book.

Online visits qualify for most high deductible healthcare plans, and are increasingly covered by other health insurance products. American Well works closely with health plans, national pharmacy retailers, hospitals and government agencies to make safe online care ubiquitous and affordable. "Our business partners collectively cover over 100 million lives," said Dr. Schoenberg. "We are working together to make telehealth a covered benefit for everyone."

Press and bloggers interested in having a free visit to test the service and meet a doctor who practices online can submit a request for a free visit coupon from Schwartz MSL: AmericanWell@SchwartzMSL.com.

About American Well

American Well is a telehealth services company that brings healthcare into the homes and workplaces of patients. The Company's web and mobile telehealth platform connects patients and clinicians for live, clinically meaningful visits through video, secure text chat and phone. American Well partners with leading health plans, delivery networks, retail pharmacies, employers and distributors to deploy telehealth services, including solution design and set-up, provider network design and operations, and marketing to support adoption by consumers, physicians and employer groups. American Well is a registered trademark of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners. For more information visit www.americanwell.com.